Warfarin sodium (
Coumadin®,
Jantoven®) is a prescription anticoagulant, often described as a "blood thinner" (although it does not actually thin the blood). It is used to prevent and treat blood clots due to various causes. The medication comes in tablet form and is typically taken once a day.
In order to help minimize risks during treatment with warfarin, drug information should be discussed with your healthcare provider beforehand. You should talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, have
high blood pressure, or have a bleeding disorder. It is also important to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking to help prevent drug interactions.
Although warfarin can be a life-saving drug, it can also cause potentially serious side effects. Possible side effects of this medication include bleeding (including dangerous internal bleeding), easy bruising, and "purple toe syndrome." The risk of dangerous side effects can be reduced by careful monitoring.
(Click Warfarin for a more in-depth look at this medication, including its effects, dosing information, warnings and precautions, and other potential side effects.)
